National Menorah lighting ceremony takes place to celebrate first night of Hanukkah

The National Menorah is lit for the first night of Hanukkah on the National Mall December 20, 2010 in Washington DC. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight day Jewish holiday marking the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

SOURCE: Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images

National Menorah lighting ceremony takes place to celebrate first night of Hanukkah

The National Chanukah Menorah was illuminated during a special ceremony on The Ellipse, the first night of Hanukkah Tuesday.

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Gary David Cohn, Director of the National Economic Council and the chief economic advisor to the president, did the honors of lighting the menorah.

President Trump and the White House issued the statement regarding the start of Hanukkah:

Hanukkah is a time for Jewish families around the world to come together around the lighting of the menorah and celebrate the miracles of the past and promises of the future. Melania and I wish all of our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrating this meaningful holiday a happy and healthy eight nights in the company of those they love.

The miracle of Hanukkah began more than 2,000 years ago, when the practice of Judaism was made punishable by death. A small band of Jewish patriots rose up and reclaimed their Jewish identity by vanquishing a mighty army. In their pursuit to rededicate their holy temple, the Jewish heroes found only enough oil to light the temple’s menorah for one night. However, a miracle occurred and with God’s grace the oil lasted for eight days.

On this holiday, we are proud to stand with the Jewish people who shine as a light to all nations. We also stand with the people of Israel, the Jewish State, which has itself a miraculous history of overcoming the tallest of odds. We hope that those observing the holiday here, in Israel, and around the world have a wonderful holiday.

Tonight, as we light the menorah, Jared, Arabella, Joseph, Theodore and I wish everyone celebrating a Happy Hanukkah! ✡️🕎 pic.twitter.com/l3DnIP0Ene